Paxton Tower

William Paxton, a native of
Edinburgh, came to Wales in 1785 after thirty years of travelling the world. He
had made a fortune in India where he was the Master of the Calcutta Mint. On
retiring, like many others who had made riches, to invest in a country estate
and enter politics. Paxton was knighted in 1802, and was Mayor of Carmarthen in
1802 when Nelson / Lady Hamilton visited. He would certainly have met and
entertained them during their stay. It is widely believed that the naval hero
greatly impressed Sir William and a short time later Paxton commissioned Samuel
Pepys Cockerel to design a tower to be erected in his honour. Also, it is
rumoured that a disgruntled Sir William Paxton designed this folly as a
reminder of himself to the people of Carmarthen who failed to elect him as MP
in 1811.